DOT's FAA Awards $23.8M for NextGen Tech Demo Support to CSSI, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,865,247 ($23.9M)
Contractor: Cssi, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2016-02-22
End Date: 2021-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,955 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TORP 1554 NEXTGEN SOLUTION SET TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $23.9 million to CSSI, LLC for work described as: TORP 1554 NEXTGEN SOLUTION SET TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 2. Significant award value for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can pose cost control challenges. 4. Long duration (2016-2021) for a technology demonstration project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing flexibility, can lead to higher costs if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors could bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, but the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for advanced technology research and development, aiming for future efficiency gains in air traffic management.
Public Impact
Supports the modernization of the National Airspace System (NextGen). Focuses on research and development in critical engineering and physical sciences. Potential for improved air traffic safety and efficiency. Awarded to a single vendor, CSSI, LLC.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration for a demo project
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical NextGen initiative
- Focus on R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in R&D.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to CSSI, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is critical for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs remain reasonable and deliverables meet objectives. The long duration necessitates consistent monitoring by the FAA.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics
- Single awardee for a significant R&D effort
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-transportation, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $23.9 million to CSSI, LLC. TORP 1554 NEXTGEN SOLUTION SET TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CSSI, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $23.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-02-22. End: 2021-06-30.
What specific technological advancements or efficiencies are expected from this NextGen solution set demonstration?
The primary goal is to demonstrate and mature technologies crucial for the NextGen initiative, aiming to enhance air traffic control efficiency, safety, and capacity. Expected outcomes include validated prototypes and performance data that inform future system-wide implementations, ultimately leading to reduced delays and improved airspace utilization.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainty while ensuring cost control?
CPFF allows flexibility for evolving R&D requirements but inherently carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed stringently. The fixed fee provides the contractor an incentive to control costs, but the government bears the majority of the cost risk. Robust oversight, clear milestones, and regular performance reviews are essential to mitigate these risks.
What is the long-term impact of this technology demonstration on the Federal Aviation Administration's operational effectiveness?
This demonstration is intended to validate key components of the NextGen system, paving the way for more efficient, safer, and capacity-enhanced air traffic management. Successful outcomes could lead to significant improvements in operational effectiveness by reducing delays, optimizing flight paths, and enhancing situational awareness for controllers and pilots.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Cssi, Inc.
Address: 400 VIRGINIA AVE SW STE 710, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,298,698
Exercised Options: $23,865,247
Current Obligation: $23,865,247
Actual Outlays: $5,981,280
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA10D00016
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-02-22
Current End Date: 2021-06-30
Potential End Date: 2021-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-03-02
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